Duncan man sentenced to jail time after beating puppy to death
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Duncan man sentenced to jail time after beating puppy to death

February 19, 2018

Robert Carolan of Duncan has been sentenced to four months in jail and has been banned from owning animals for 10 years after being convicted in the beating death of his 16-week-old puppy.

Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, said the necropsy results for the mixed-breed puppy named Dux indicated that he had suffered blunt force trauma to his head and right rib.

The necropsy findings identified pneumothorax, a trauma-induced condition that prevents an animal’s lungs from fully inflating, as the probable cause of death. Carolan originally claimed the puppy had accidentally drowned after he placed him in a bathtub and stepped out for a cigarette.

He could not provide an explanation for the puppy’s bleeding and significant injuries. The necropsy also revealed healed fractures on three of the puppy’s ribs.

“I think jail time is absolutely warranted in a case this heinous,” said Moriarty. “It is heart-breaking to think of how much this poor puppy suffered and the terror he would have experienced before succumbing to his injuries.”

Carolan also received a victim surcharge fine of $100 and a three-year period of probation.

The BC SPCA investigates nearly 10,000 complaints of animal cruelty and abuse each year in British Columbia. To join the fight against animal cruelty, please visit spca.bc.ca/support.